Air Groove's POV

Today felt like it stretched on forever… but what I achieved made it worth it. The Triple Tiara—Sakura Sho, Oaks, and today's Shuka Sho. I charged through every leg of the Tiara route at the front, undefeated.

I stood quietly, basking in the moment.

Hachiman glanced at me. "That happy about the Triple Tiara?"

I flinched. "W-Why would you ask that?!"

"Your cheeks are softer than usual," he said.

"Stop staring!" I snapped. "Don't look without permission!"

"It's not embarrassing," he said. "You were poised out there, but it's fine to loosen up now. No divine punishment for relaxing a bit."

"In front of you?" I huffed. "As if I'd let myself go like that! And in a place like this?!"

"Fair enough," he said with a shrug.

This guy… no tact at all! Is his skill limited to training? Still, it's undeniable—his guidance helped me claim the Triple Tiara. A little gratitude is in order.

"Well…" I started, hesitating. "You did well too, I suppose. I got this strong because of you, in part. I'm grateful for that."

Hachiman waved it off. "Just doing my job as a trainer. Nothing more to it."

Can't even take a compliment, you fool.

At Trecen Academy, we stepped off the train from Kyoto, finally back in Tokyo.

I glanced at Hachiman. He was silent, and so was I.

As we approached the academy gates, a massive sign greeted us: "Air Groove, Congratulations on Achieving the Triple Tiara!!"

Takanotsume beamed. "Welcome back, Hikitani Trainer, Air Groove! Huge congratulations on the undefeated Triple Tiara!"

Hachiman blinked. "Uh, thanks… but what's all this?"

Takanotsume giggled. "Explanations later! Come on, to the academy!"

"I'd like an explanation now," Hachiman said.

I turned. "Hayakawa-shi?!"

In the academy's hall, Takanotsume chirped, "We're here!"

Hachiman frowned. "What's with the drawn-out tone? You dragged us here without a reason."

"I agree," I said. "Explain yourself."

Takanotsume smiled. "The reason? Right here!"

She flung open the doors. The hall blazed with light, forcing me to squint. Then—

Pop! Pop! Pop-pop-pop-pop!

A chorus erupted: "Congratulations on the undefeated Triple Tiara!!!"

The hall was packed with students and trainers, surrounded by spent handheld crackers and tables laden with food.

I stared. "What… is this?"

Takanotsume grinned. "Surprised? The academy president proposed this when you clinched the undefeated Triple Tiara. Everyone here pitched in to make it happen in a rush."

I was speechless.

Hachiman muttered, "How'd you pull this off…?"

Takanotsume beamed. "The chefs, Super Creek, and Hishi Akebono handled the food. Karenchan and Smart Falcon led decorations, and President Symboli Rudolf rallied every student and trainer to make this happen!"

Rudolf stepped forward. "Exactly, Air Groove. Your achievement left a monumental mark on our history and that of all Uma Musume. So, we prepared this modest celebration for you."

I couldn't speak, my chest tight.

Rudolf smiled. "You're the star tonight. Let's raise a toast."

"Y-Yes!" I stammered, following her to the center. Someone handed me a glass.

Rudolf raised hers. "I'll take the honor of leading. We gather to celebrate Air Groove's undefeated Triple Tiara—a historic victory. Students, classes are canceled tomorrow as a special exception. Enjoy tonight to the fullest. Trainers, your daily efforts and care for your Uma Musume are invaluable. Tonight, let loose. To Air Groove's undefeated Triple Tiara—cheers!"

"Cheers!!" the crowd roared.

They did all this… for me?

Rudolf nudged me. "Come on, Air Groove. This party's for you. Have fun, or we'll be disappointed."

I nodded. "President… thank you."

I mingled, chatting with students about daily life, races, the Tiara route—everything. It felt… joyful.

I turned to Rudolf. "President."

"Hm?" she said.

"Thank you," I said softly.

She chuckled. "What's that for?"

Hachiman's POV

Kenta's eyes lit up. "Senpai, congratulations! Triple Tiara in your second year—fastest in history, right?!"

"No clue," I said. "Don't care either. Just doing my job training Uma Musume."

Aoi nodded. "But you and I got to take on trainees right after starting, right? Raising Air Groove from scratch to this? That's incredible."

Another peer chimed in. "We're only getting our first trainees next year. You're leaving us in the dust."

"Maybe," I said. "But you guys are valuable to me."

"How so?" he asked.

"You still talk to me like nothing's changed," I said. "That's rare. Some people… well, you know."

Kenta sighed. "Yeah…"

Aoi agreed. "True."

My peer pointed across the hall. "Some don't even try to hide it. Look at that table—seniors and peers who barely helped with this party but showed up anyway. Not even congratulating you. Can't they celebrate a colleague's win?"

I shrugged. "Can't be helped. This world's all about results. A nobody like me getting this far? Bound to spark envy. I'm not from a famous family or some legendary Uma Musume's kid, so it stings them."

Kenta frowned. "That's just childish."

"Let 'em talk," I said. "They're wasting their own time."

Aoi laughed. "Fair point!"

These guys are solid. Sure, they're learning from senior trainers, but they don't take cheap shots at me. Instead, they hit me with questions about training menus, brimming with ambition. That's what drive looks like.

"Hey," I said, "what's next for Bubblegum?"

Kenta perked up. "She's running in the Tennō Shō (Autumn)! A huge classic-grade challenge!"

Aoi whistled. "Wow! If she wins, it's a feat not seen in 59 years. Only one classic-grade Uma Musume has ever won it."

My peer nodded. "Watch out, though. Maya-no Top Gun, Sakura Laurel, Marvelous Sunday, Genuine, Nice Nature—they're all in, plus some from her last race."

Kenta clenched his fist. "I'll nail her prep!"

"That's the spirit!" Aoi cheered.

Tennō Shō, huh? Gotta catch that one.

Another peer approached, voice sharp. "Yo, Hikitani. Snagged the Triple Tiara, huh?"

"Thanks to her," I said.

A senior trainer sneered. "Don't get cocky. You're just riding Air Groove's coattails. That's all."

Another added, "Exactly. It's not your skill. Air Groove was bound to win with her talent. Any of us could've done it."

My peer started, "Hey, that's—" but I cut in.

"You're right," I said. "Air Groove's why I'm a Triple Tiara trainer. Her talent's undeniable. But drawing out an Uma Musume's potential? That's on the trainer. Can you guarantee you'd have done the same?"

The second senior bristled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just curious," I said. "You knew Air Groove had Triple Tiara potential from the start, right? You too."

The first senior puffed up. "Obviously. Her mom's the Empress. That kind of talent's expected."

The second nodded. "Her aura was different. Clear as day."

My peer added, "With runs like hers, it's no surprise."

Idiots. They're practically shouting they're clueless.

"So," I said, "why didn't you scout her? An Uma Musume with Triple Tiara potential doesn't come around often. Trainers would kill for that kind of prospect. For the record, I didn't care about fame and had no clue about her potential at first."

The first senior stammered. "W-Well, that's…"

The second snapped, "Because she went to you! That's why we couldn't!"

"Air Groove's been at Trecen since middle school," I said. "I scouted her in high school. You had plenty of time to spot her talent. Stop acting like I stole her."

My peer bristled. "They're seniors, man!"

"So what?" I shot back. "I'm not taking their nonsense just because they're older. If they're so scared of losing her, they should've staked a claim."

The first senior growled, "Don't push me, kid—"

"Jealous over a junior's results?" I cut in. "Instead of whining, why not focus on making your Uma Musume stronger? You're wasting time. Meanwhile, Kenta here's got Bubblegum Fellow, entrusted by Hiratsuka-sensei. If she wins Tennō Shō, he might be a main trainer next season."

"What?!" my peer gasped.

"No way!" the first senior said.

"Bullshit," the second muttered.

"It's true," I said. "Kenta's handling Bubblegum's training. Hiratsuka-sensei's ready to recommend him as a main trainer based on Tennō Shō's outcome, even transferring Bubblegum to him officially."

Kenta's eyes widened. "Huh?!"

Aoi grinned. "That's huge!"

My peer nodded. "Main trainer after two years? And with a transfer? That's rare."

"It means they believe in you," I said to Kenta. "Show Hiratsuka-sensei what you've got. Oh, and keep it quiet—she told me not to spill."

Not much I can do, but… give it your all for the big race, Kenta.

Afterword

The Triple Tiara party's a battlefield of emotions! Air Groove's legacy looms large, but Hachiman steals the spotlight, shutting down jealous seniors with cutting truths. Kenta's Tennō Shō dreams soar, backed by Hiratsuka-sensei's trust, while peers like Aoi rally behind Hachiman's "abnormal" rise. Fuji's arc waits, but Air Groove's triumph and Hachiman's defiance fuel the drama—here's to ambition and rivalry!

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